What is Ketogenic Dietary Therapy?

1.What is Ketogenic Dietary Therapy?

Ketogenic Dietary Therapy (KDT) is a very low carbohydrate, high fat, adequate protein diet that helps to control seizures in some people with epilepsy. It is an alternative management option to medication, however, is prescribed by a physician and needs to be carefully monitored by a dietician. 

2. How does it work?

being on KDT changes the metabolism in the body, allowing it to burn fat for energy rather than glucose. Usually, the human body runs on glucose (found in foods such as sugar, bread and pasta), however, if you follow KDT, your body runs on ketones for energy instead. 

3. When is KDT for me?

If a person has tried 2 or more anti-seizure medications, without success of controlling their seizures. OR, a person is not able to have epilepsy surgery or if epilepsy brain surgery has not worked. 

KDT has proven success with individuals with different types of epilepsy and seizures, however, has shown particularly positive results for those with myoclonic epilepsies, infantile spasms and tuberous sclerosis complex and various other epilepsy syndromes such as Ohtahara, Dravet, Doose and Angelman.

KDT should only be followed under medical supervision, please avoid trying it alone. Speak to your doctor or healthcare team to find out more and what your next steps are.

4. Ketogenic Dietary Therapy benefits

Up to 50% of people who trial KDT experience at least a 50% reduction in seizures and 10% may become seizure free. Other benefits of KDT can include the following:

-Have less severe seizures or shorter seizures.

-Epilepsy medication may be able to be reduced.

-Individuals may show increased alertness, awareness and responsiveness.

-Improved quality of life, such as improved concentration, increased energy levels and better quality sleep.